Year: 2022

Dec 31

Home Improvement Projects For the Wintertime

smiling couple measuring wood flooring

The winter months are an ideal time for do-it-yourselfers to tackle some home improvement projects. Not only can you save money and get a sense of accomplishment by tackling a project yourself, but there is also the opportunity to add value to your home. Below are tips on how to accomplish several DIY home improvement projects this winter:

Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing is an important home improvement project during the cold winter. Leaking basements can lead to costly damages in the short and long term, so it’s essential to ensure that your basement is protected from water damage before temperatures drop too low. Waterproof your basement by addressing potential moisture or water entry sources or installing a waterproofing system, you can protect your home and ensure it’s safe from water damage.

Repair Or Replace Windows

Wintertime is also a great time to check the condition of your windows to see if they need repairs or replacing. Old, drafty windows can let in cold air, leading to higher heating bills. Sealing around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping will help keep warm air inside where it belongs. If your old windows are beyond repair, consider upgrading to new energy-efficient models, as this can save you money on your heating bill in the long run.

Insulate Your Attic

A well-insulated attic can keep warm air in and cold air out, which will help save money on your heating bills. Adding insulation to your attic can be tricky, so you may seek professional help if you are uncomfortable with the task.

Painting Your Home Interior

The winter months are typically harsher than in other seasons, which makes it an ideal time for painting the interior of your home. Be sure to use high-quality paint and check with your local hardware store for any recommendations on preparing surfaces before painting and what kind of paint works best for indoor projects.

Install Gutter Guards

Snowy winter weather can cause leaves and debris to clog up your gutters. Install gutter guards that fit snugly over the tops of your gutters so that no matter how much snow accumulates this winter, your drainage system won’t be affected. This will also help prevent ice dams from forming on roofs due to the runoff from melting snow.

Whether you’re looking for something simple to do around your home or a bigger project, wintertime is an ideal time to take on home improvement projects. With the right supplies and a little know-how, you can ensure that your home is ready for the cold weather months ahead. By investing in these projects now, you can add value to your home and save money in the long run.

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Jul 05

Dos and Don’ts for Renters

https://youtu.be/gZrktVxqALA

When you first sign up for an apartment, you might be excited about the prospect of settling down and making your new home feel like your own. However, it’s more often than not a difficult process because many renters have no idea what to expect when looking for a rental property. Here are the dos and don’ts for renters.

 

Dos

  1. Have insurance for your belongings

The first thing you should do when moving into a rental property is to have insurance for all of your belongings. This includes your furniture and appliances and any other belongings you plan to take with you. Ensure you have adequate insurance in case of theft, vandalism, or fire. You may want to purchase renter’s insurance if your landlord does not provide it.

 

  1. Read the tenancy agreement

If you have not received a tenant agreement from your landlord, read it carefully before moving in. It will detail the rules about pets, smoking, rent payments, and all your responsibilities as a renter. You may even want to make a copy of the agreement and keep it in your files, so there are no surprises when you move out.

 

  1. Ask if you want to redecorate

While you are in the process of settling into your apartment, don’t forget to ask if you may redecorate. It may be your landlord’s way of renting for a cheaper price, but it might mean you will have to repaint and reupholster all your furniture. However, this is an opportunity for you and yourself to enjoy the process and make some money while doing it.

 

  1. Don’t abuse the privilege of having pets

Landlords may allow pets, which is great for pet owners but also means you will probably have to deal with some pet damage. It is important to always clean up after your pet and make sure that it does not chew or scratch any furniture or stain carpets. If your pet does have an accident, you should hire a carpet cleaner yourself. Go to  https://meangreencarpetcleaners.com/carpet-cleaning-oakdale-ca/.You will probably also have to pay an extra pet deposit or two each month when you move in.

 

Don’ts

  1. Sign the inventory if not pleased

While your landlord gives you a thorough tour of the apartment, you probably already know what it looks like. Don’t sign the inventory if you are dissatisfied with what you see. Remember – it is a legal document that can be used in court, so if something is missing or damaged, write it down and take pictures of anything that has been damaged before moving in.

 

  1. Don’t ignore the rules

It is best to keep a positive relationship with your landlord and follow all of the rules of your tenancy agreement. It is your duty to pay rent on time, keep the property clean and not damage any parts of the building. You can even make friends with your landlord by always acting professional and polite.

 

  1. Don’t make major renovations

When you move into your rental unit, you are allowed to make some small renovations to the building. We suggest you only do something during the holiday season if it is a small project that will not take over your time. Also, make sure that you don’t decide to renovate the entire unit if you have no idea how to do it. This is a very expensive mistake and can even result in the termination of your tenancy agreement.

 

Renting an apartment is not as complicated as it used to be a few decades ago. However, people who rent should take the time to understand all the responsibilities of moving into a rental property. They will know what to expect in case of damages, extra fees, and any potential problems that might occur in your relationship with your landlord. These rules and tips can help you have a great experience renting an apartment for years or just a few months before moving again.

Here’s more helpful info:

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-things-you-should-never-do-in-a-rental-home-52156

Apr 07

3 Popular Choices for Backyard Deck Materials

backyard deckIt can be a daunting task to choose the right patio materials. You have to consider the weather, durability, resistance to insects, and cost. However, you don’t have to worry about yourself as this article explains the popular choices for your backyard deck materials.

  1. Redwood and Cedar

Redwood and cedar are some of the popular decking materials available in the country. The tannins and oils available in both species make them naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insects. Also, they pose a rich color that makes them naturally beautiful.

The resistance of these decking materials to bugs and weather elements would depend on the amount of heartwood or sapwood used. Heartwood is relatively resistant and is located closer to the center of the tree. On the other hand, softwood grows to the outside of the tree and is associated with knots. Since they are softer, they are more susceptible to decay.

An annual power washing and a coat of sealant would ensure the maintenance of the decking materials. Protecting the wood’s surface from checking and weather elements would involve applying a clear wood preservative with water repellent. A semi-transparent stain would ensure that the wood maintains its natural color and does not turn to a silvery grey color.

  1. Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is an ideal type of decking material when you are looking for something inexpensive. It is fit for your deck when you suspect your patio to be vulnerable to insects and water. The chemicals used to treat the deck would repel insects and fungus away. These are some of the common problems people face, making it a common decking material.

Maintenance of the decking material is also easy. Even though it is pressure-treated, you will need to do an annual treatment of pressure washing, sanding, and sealing to make it last the next 30 years.

  1. Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from recycled materials like plastic sacks and wood waste. Its use and popularity are fast growing due to its low budget and maintenance. Besides being resistant to weather and insects, it doesn’t need to be sanded or painted to maintain its look.

There is a wide variety of composite decks. It comes in different styles and colors. Depending on your choice, you can opt for the one that looks like wood or feels like wood. Special fasteners are important to those composite decks that are slippery and prone to mildew. They are also lighter, making them easy to carry and lift into places during installation.

 

The patio is an important part of the house. Improving it would increase the value of the house. Therefore, you will want to decorate the patio in your best interests and lifestyle. You should choose wisely the type of materials you use to make the patio. It is important to consider concrete patio cleaning and maintenance of your deck as well.

 

 

Feb 24

4 Things That Will Lower The Price of Your Home

Homes are one of the biggest purchases and investments for most people, so it is prudent that they would want to protect them at all costs. As a responsible homeowner, it is your duty to boost your home’s value and protect it from factors that may devalue it inadvertently or otherwise. Whatever measures you take to improve your home’s value, it pays to understand the factors affecting your property’s bottom line.

illustration of house on top of a downward arrow

Comparable Listings and Foreclosures

The housing market experiences cycles of highs and lows. If you have tried selling a home during one of the housing market’s lows, then perhaps you are familiar with how difficult it can be to unload a home in a market congested with sellers.

Generally, the more comparable listings in your home’s market, the lesser your property’s value. This phenomenon gets even worse when buyers are scarce, and your property is located in a neighborhood plagued with foreclosures.

Industry reports suggest that each foreclosed house will cost houses within 250 feet roughly 1% of their value. Even worse, foreclosed homes tend to stay vacant, and multiple foreclosures might imply that a neighborhood is prone to general unpleasantness, depreciation, and vandalism.

Deferred Maintenance

When taking a random stroll around your neighborhood, what is the first thing that catches your eye? You (and potential buyers) may have first impressions of a home’s value based on its exterior, including the paintwork and yard. If keeping your house coated freshly and maintaining the yard is not high on your list of priorities, then you may be letting your property’s value plummet unknowingly.

Curb appeal is a deal-breaker for many homebuyers and one of the more manageable ways of improving your home’s value. Besides repairs such as damaged siding and a leaky roof, some maintenance issues you should watch out for include:

  • Fence quality
  • Landscaping trends, e.g., the type of plants in your yard
  • Paintwork
  • Unkempt driveways

Be sure that you keep up with the appearance of your home’s exterior. Consult with a pressure washing company to get a cost estimate for professional services. 

Bad Neighbors

Although somewhat overlooked, homebuyers may assess a house’s value based on their interactions with potential future neighbors. If it becomes apparent that you have bad neighbors, many buyers may offer lower prices for your property or pass it altogether.

Older buyers, in particular, may also be on the lookout for annoying pets or machinery within earshot and nearby unkempt lawns. Living less than a tenth of a mile from a registered sex offender can also reduce your property’s value by up to 10%, especially if the potential buyers have young children.

Mold

Mold can be a big problem in any home if it’s not addressed promptly. Be sure to address any water damage immediately, and regularly employ a carpet cleaning service to be sure there is no invisible mold. Visible or not it will drive down the price of your home in a hurry if it is detected during a home inspection. Hire a mold remediation company to locate and abate any dangerous mold existing in your home.

Final Thoughts

Numerous factors go into your home’s worth – location, number of rooms, square footage, and many more. Although some aspects are beyond your control, it pays to know how much your property is worth and what you can do to prevent its depreciation.

 

Jan 12

Simple Things That You Can do to Increase Your Home’s Equity

https://youtu.be/YBs0mZffvH4

 

Becoming a homeowner is a worthy investment, especially since you can build equity. You get a chance to build wealth and get something out of your investment. It is also imperative to consider factors affecting market value to know how much you would get from your house.

Home equity is how much you can get for your home after deducting the financing. You can increase your equity after some time, thus providing channels to acquire cash to handle unforeseen expenses. Thus, you can increase your home equity by paying off your mortgage and implementing measures to increase the home value.

With that, here are some ways through which you can increase your home’s equity.

Make Timely Mortgage Payments

If you applied for a mortgage to purchase the property, you must make an effort towards repaying your loan. Ensure ensures you don’t miss out on your payment by depositing timely installments. Repaying your mortgage installments allows you to reduce the liability on your home. As a result, you reduce the amount of debt and increase the amount you can get out of your house.

Increase Property Value

It is essential to stay in the loop of your local real estate market. This way, you can learn more about the price-driving factors and ensure you get a good amount for your house. You can start by making simple renovations and remodeling various areas of the property.

You can consider making kitchen renovations and adding other fixtures that potential buyers highly seek. A bathroom remodeling can also come in handy and ensure you check for any leaks within the walls. Consider landscaping services to create an impressive aesthetic appeal and create a perfect first-time impression. Carpet cleaning services recommend that you have carpets and floors professionally cleaned to improve your home’s overall appearance. Exterior and interior painting that matches your design theme will also improve your curb appeal. Adding a patio may also do the trick and allow you to utilize the extra exterior space.

Consult Professionals

It would help if you talked to various professionals in the real estate industry. You can consult realtors, appraisers, or home inspectors to know what you can do to increase the home value. The professionals have the necessary experience to know what most buyers look for in a home.

The expert’s advice may help you know what additions to make and the necessary customizations to boost the property value. Research the best professionals in the niche within your area for consultation and new knowledge about your local real estate market.

Patience

Property prices within a region may fluctuate due to numerous factors. Thus, building equity may take time and calls for your patience. Property prices increase when property demand in your area surges, thus increasing your home’s value. This aspect is beyond your control, and waiting is one of the viable options that you have.

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